🚨 2005 Nissan 350Z: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 350Z automatic uses a console-mounted lever shifter with electronic shift lock and a manual gate for manual-shift mode.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ON position if possible (to power the shift lock solenoid)
- Press and hold the brake pedal
- Press the shift lock button on the shifter handle and move to Neutral
- If the above fails (no power or failed brake switch), locate the shift lock override—a small rectangular slot with a removable plastic cover on the console trim directly forward and to the left of the shifter base
- Pry out the small plastic cover carefully with a flat screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flat screwdriver or ignition key into the override slot and push down while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to Neutral
- Leave in Neutral for towing
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular capped slot in the console trim forward and to the left of the shifter base, approximately 1-2 inches from the shifter lever; the cap is flush with the surrounding trim
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you MUST use the shift lock override slot. The override mechanically releases the lock pawl. No battery power is required to operate the mechanical override—it is a purely mechanical bypass.